In a fitting tribute to exemplary academic leadership, Dr. Ernest Kwadwo Puni Kwarko, the former Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has formally honored Professor Kwasi Antwi-Kusi, the outgoing Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
At a brief yet solemn ceremony held in the Dean’s Conference Room, Dr. Kwarko presented an exquisitely crafted plaque of honor to Prof. Antwi-Kusi, marking the culmination of his impactful tenure at the helm of one of West Africa’s foremost medical institutions.
Transformative Leadership:
The citation offered a poignant reflection on Prof. Antwi-Kusi’s visionary stewardship, highlighting his open-minded approach and forward-thinking ethos.
Under his guidance, the School of Medicine and Dentistry underwent a remarkable modernization, characterized by the integration of cutting-edge educational technology, innovative clinical simulations, and expanded infrastructure.
The citation specifically commended the outgoing Dean for:
Tech-Driven Education:
Modernizing instructional methods and leveraging technology to enhance medical training.
Strategic Partnerships:
Cultivating high-value institutional relationships that secured critical investments and collaborative networks for the school.
Unwavering Dedication:
Maintaining a steadfast commitment to the professional development, health, and welfare of both academic staff and students.
As the school celebrates five decades of academic excellence, the tribute noted that Prof. Antwi-Kusi’s legacy, having brilliantly superintended over the institution’s historic Golden Jubilee celebrations, remains permanently etched in the annals of KNUST.
Gratitude:
Accepting the accolade with visible emotion, Prof. Antwi-Kusi expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Kwarko, characterizing him not merely as a benefactor, but as a trusted brother and enduring source of inspiration.
Prof. Antwi-Kusi revealed that Dr. Kwarko had been an indispensable pillar behind many of the administration’s proudest achievements, including the full sponsorship and funding for the landmark 50th-Anniversary monument situated prominently in front of the SMS building.
“I am deeply elated to receive this honor from a man who, from the very beginning of our relationship, has been both a brother and a beacon of inspiration. I express my heartfelt thanks for his unwavering support to me personally and to the SMS as a whole. The support that includes generous financial contributions and the full funding of our 50th-anniversary monument”, Prof. Antwi-Kusi stated.
Honoring Service:
Speaking to journalists following the presentation, Dr. Kwarko emphasized the vital necessity of celebrating public servants who distinguish themselves through exceptional duty.
Recognizing such dedication, he noted, grants leaders a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind, knowing their sacrifices are valued.
Dr. Kwarko also highlighted key developmental projects initiated during the outgoing Dean’s tenure, including the structural expansion of lecture facilities to accommodate up to 300 students for direct, interactive learning, alongside upgraded simulation centers and enhanced institutional communication frameworks.
“It is gratifying to see that Prof. Antwi-Kusi, who completes his tenure at the end of October, proactively championed critical proposals, such as expanding our main lecture halls for enhanced face-to-face demonstrations, elevating technology-driven clinical simulations, and modernizing our communications infrastructure”, Dr Kwadwo stated.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The brief ceremony was attended by prominent academic leaders and senior faculty members of the school, including Prof. Jude Annan, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, alongside several distinguished department heads and administrative officers.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
